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Dr Tim Barnard | History | NUS | Back to GEM2005/HY2243 |
GEM 2005/ HY2243
FILM AND HISTORY
Feedback on Project 6
General Comments:
This project was an opportunity for students to think about the issue of film's ability to present the emotional atmosphere of an era. That is students could use this Project to discuss some of the advantages film may have over written works in presenting history.
So The Manchurian Candidate could be said to show the paranoia of the era in an effective fashion. This can be seen in the brainwashing of the soldiers by communists, and the connection between that brainwashing and the sort of brainwashing engaged in by the supposed anti-communists. Overall the movie's satirical tone marks it as a criticism of cold war politics.
Goldfinger on the other hand is a film that shaped the spy genre. Bond made spies cool. So more than simply reflecting a British desire to assert some sort of role for themselves in an American dominated era the Bond movies, of which Goldfinger was the third, created a notion of the spy as a sophisticated man of the world who literally defeats attempts at overthrowing capitalism with his wit and seductive manner.
Double Tick: (Grade 85)
Articulates the above well. Demonstrates the argument being made with specific references to the films. Makes the lecturers feel threatened in their jobs.
Tick plus: (Grade 75)
Brings up the major points, fairly well written.
Tick: (Grade 65)
Mentions many of these things, but is focused too much on simple observations, such as The Manchurian Candidate shows paranoia, without showing the reader how.
Tick Minus: (Grade 55)
Reviews the movie. Poorly written.